With her spine ramrod straight, she waited until she was down the hall a bit, then she danced the rest of the way to Darlene’s office. Her friend glanced up when she entered, a grin spread over her face. She opened her arms and walked around the worktable. Ari didn’t hesitate, she walked into them.
“I did it. She loved it.”
Dear Diary;
Unexpected ally
My satin lining molded to the dress dummy in excitement. My bride laid across her bed, a grin stretched across her face. Humming a tune I’d heard often on that iPod gadget when she dances.
She hasn’t told me anything, but I know the project she’d been working on must have gone well. Heidi always had the same expression when she’d finished one of her girls.
“Hey Ari,” Conner said. He walked in and flopped across the bed next to her, the opposite direction. “Do I need to even ask how things went to day?”
“Great.”
His chuckle warmed my beads. Too bad he wasn’t the one for my Ari. I’ve grown fond of him.
“Now if only we could get Gerard to drop by.”
Ari’s head rolled toward Conner’s knees, she had to look down the length him. “What for? I have too much going on for a relationship.”
Again his chuckled rattled around the room. “For not being interested, you sure have a one track mind. I was referring to the program you wanted him to design.”
My hem crinkled in delight. She was smitten with her mate, now I just needed to figure a way to get them together.
“Oh.” Ari returned her attention to studying the ceiling. Her grin still in place. “It would be nice if he would listen. Think how great it would be if a couple came in and could see a mock wedding with everything they wanted. If it didn’t work, they could change whatever they wanted. Their day would be that much more perfect.”
“So why don’t you find someone else?”
“I don’t know anyone else or have any idea how to look for someone.”
Conner tilted his head to look at me. “Bella, what do you think she should do?”
With all my might, I willed my beads to shimmer, my lace to ripple. I knew I’d succeeded when I heard him gasp.
“Ari, I think Bella just answered me.”
Ari rolled her head to the side giving her a full view of me. “Oh really, okay Bella what should I do?”
Shimmering, shaking and wrinkling my satin and lace wouldn’t answer what I wanted. This time I concentrated and the mannequin wobbled slightly.
Ari’s eyes widened. “I knew you were magic. Conner what do you think she’s trying to tell me?”
“You and Gerard are meant for each other.”
Ari giggled. “Right.”
This time I managed to quiver, sparkle and crinkle my satin at once.
Conner vaulted to a sitting position. “Holy shit, did you see that? She agrees with me.”
Ari scrambled to her feet and ran to the window. “It’s shut.” She turned to me.
I warily watched her take a careful step away from me. Sorrow constricted my lace. That was the last thing I wanted, for her to be frightened of me.
Conner came to me then and touched me reverently, then he slipped an arm around the shoulders of my bolero. “Ari, I saw Heidi on the Today show a few months ago.”
My bride gazed at him in question. “I saw it too.”
“Heidi designs her dresses as you do. You give them a classic love story. She gives them a name and personality. But the point is she swears her gowns are magic when they find their soul mate.”
“Do you think my dresses will be also?” She looked so hopeful.
He patted my shoulder, then pulled Ari to sit on the edge of the bed. His arm went around her as it had been around me only moments before. “Ari dear, you’re missing my point.”
“And that is?”
“Bella is your soul mate.”
“I’m not getting married. I don’t even have a boyfriend.”
“Do you know what ‘Arabella’ means?” Conner let his cheek rest on the top of Ari’s gold head.
Her shoulder lifted but she didn’t answer. I was impressed with Conner. He understood.
“It means ‘answered prayer’. I believe you are Bella’s answered prayer. The girl who left her at Classic Manhattan wasn’t her soul mate. But you are.”
Chapter Twenty-four
A week later, Ari parked her Love Machine in the alley behind Classic Manhattan. She pulled off her helmet as she walked into the building. She should be excited about the news from the bank, but all she could think of was Conner’s words that day in her room.
How could she be a dress’s soul mate? It didn’t seem possible. However, she’d watched the same TV program. Heidi claimed all of her bridal gowns had a soul mate and when they found each other there would be a happily ever after for the bride and groom.
There was one major thing wrong with that theory. She didn’t have a groom.
An image of Gerard, his curly hair mussed, his unrepentant grin warming her heart, fluttered through her mind. She hadn’t seen him since the night he’d turned down dinner.
“Whoa!” Darlene stopped her a moment before they collided in the middle of the hall. “Where in the heck are you? Obviously not watching where you’re going.”
Ari focused on her friend. “Sorry, I was thinking.”
“Not very good thoughts by the look on your face.”
“Just thinking about the bank decision. We should know today.”
“I thought you were confident it would go through.” Darlene narrowed her eyes, and cocked her head to the side. “There’s something else.”
“There you are.” Gertrude successfully saved Ari from having to answer Darlene. “The bank just called, would you like to go with me?”
“Me?” Ari cringed at the squeaky quality in her reply. She’d been so professional the other day.
“Who do you think I mean? If you want to come, let’s go.” Gertrude didn’t wait to see if she followed.
Ari waved at Darlene, turned to follow her boss. “I’ll come.”
The bank was a short walk down the block from the salon, Gertrude and Ari covered the distance in silence. The older woman kept a brisk pace. Ari kept up, though. She wasn’t about to miss this once-in-a-life-time opportunity.
Today, it would be official. She’d be invested in the company with her designs.
That’s if the bank said yes.
Two hours later, Ari ran through the front doors of Classic Manhattan nearly bowled over the couple in the foyer in her haste to find Darlene.
She shouted a quick, “Excuse me, sorry!”
She raced down the hall and skidded to a halt inside Darlene’s office. It was empty.
Retracing her path, she tentatively peeked around the corner to see the couple standing in the foyer. Darlene was discussing appointment schedules with them. They must be a drop in. What an impression she’d given. Crap.
Might as well go to her office and get some work done. She would be busier than ever now. Tonight she’d celebrate. She called Conner to see if he wanted to have a movie night. When he answered, she found it was a no go. He had to work.
“Damn.” Now what?
“Damn what?”
Ari glanced up to see Darlene grinning at her. “Sorry about almost knocking the happy couple over when I came in.”
“I’ll forgive you, if Classic Manhattan got the go ahead for your dress designs.”
Ari felt herself smiling like an idiot. “Yup. We did.”
Darlene dropped into the chair in front of the desk. “Tell now.”
“First thing, Gertrude is going to have a contractor, or architect, come in to look over the top floor see what can be done. It needs more light. There’s plenty of room, but we may need to rearrange.
“She’s going to visit Heidi’s work room, and some of the other designers.” Ari inhaled, her cheeks warmed. “I’m going with her. Then we’re going to go over some floor plans
with the contractor. He’ll give us a bid, the bank will have to approve. I guess it will all start after that.”
“Your designs?” Darlene leaned to the desk and propped her elbows on the edge, her chin resting in her hands.
“First we have to shop for some machines. I’ve been researching on the Internet where to find them. There are some good deals on used equipment to start with. That’s my task during the construction period. I need to pinch myself. But I won’t. I bruise easy.”
“I’m so excited. Maybe when you talk your friend into doing the cyber layout we’ll be able to work closely on the bride’s idea for her dress, flowers and wedding so the entire package will tell a story of her day.”
Ari closed her eyes a moment. Wouldn’t that be perfect? Damn Gerard for being so full of himself.
“What’s wrong?”
“Gerard, the guy who is not my friend. He won’t even discuss it with me.”
Confusion danced over Darlene’s features. “Why not?”
“Because I’m a nice girl and he doesn’t want to hurt me. He doesn’t want a relationship right now.”
“You’re asking him to work on a computer program, not go steady.” Darlene tilted her head to the side, her eyes narrowed to slits. “What aren’t you telling me?”
“Nothing. He came over a few weeks ago for dinner and to watch the Subway Series with Conner and me. The day I came up with the idea, he was supposed to come over again. Conner has been experimenting with recipes and Gerard was invited to dinner. Anyway, Gerard decided not to come, he said he was too busy. So when I went to his apartment to ask him if he’d change his mind and tell him my idea, that was what he told me.”
“Just out of the blue.”
Ari’s tummy turned a bit, “Yes.”
Darlene tightened her lips for a moment before she asked, “You’re not the least bit attracted to him? No sparks were flying, or anything?”
“I don’t have time for complications right now.”
“That’s not what I asked.”
Ari stood at the window to stare at the gray building across the street. “There may have been a bit of spark. Apparently it was only one sided.”
“I don’t think so. Ari, if he didn’t have the same spark, there wouldn’t be a reason to avoid you.”
Ari turned to face her friend. “That’s what Conner said.”
“I don’t even know Conner and yet I think I’m beginning to like him, in spite of my earlier thoughts of him.”
“Whatever.” Ari went back to her desk and wiggled her mouse to wake up her computer. “What are you doing tonight?”
“T-ball with the nephew. Why?”
“I wanted to celebrate with a movie night. Conner’s working.”
“So why don’t you ask your neighbor?”
“The one who doesn’t want to have a relationship?”
“I thought you didn’t have time for complications? No harm having a nice fun friendly night.”
“Ha, ha. You and Conner both think if the two of us spend time together something will happen.”
Darlene shoved away from the desk and stood. Without a word, she started for the door, then threw over her shoulder as she left the office. “Yup.”
*****
She’d dropped the Love Machine at the apartment and walked to the video rental shop and Johnnies was on the way home.
What did she feel like watching? A solitary celebration movie night needed comedy, maybe a bit of romance. The video store had a large close out sign. Online stores that delivered the movies right to your doorstep and the view-on-demand cable were putting the corner video rental stores out of business.
The prices on the DVDs were a steal. Maybe she’d pick out a few for her collection instead of renting. She picked up one with her favorite actress to read the blurb on the back.
“Great movie. If you like chick flicks.”
Gerard’s sexy voice swamped her senses. Blowing out through her lips, she plastered what she hoped was a casual smile and faced him.
“Do you watch a lot of chick flicks then?”
He grinned. “I’ve been known to on occasions, especially when my sisters tie me down.”
Last time she’d seen him, he’d been brisk and dismissive. Maybe he’d been having a bad day.
“I’m celebrating tonight, want to join me for a movie?”
His smile faded a bit. “Sorry. Maybe another time.” He lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “It’s my turn to pick for a movie night with my sisters. It’s not going to be a chick flick. In fact, I think something with a car chase, lots of action, adventure and blood and guts. What do you think? Payback enough?”
At least this time he hadn’t given her an out and out no, he wasn’t interested. Besides watching movies with his sisters somehow was endearing.
“Oh I think that’s plenty payback.” She glanced at the DVD in his hand and cringed, poor girls. “Gerard, I do have a legitimate business proposition. It’s a programming idea for my work. When you have time I’d like to go over it with you.”
He hesitated moment, “I’ll drop by sometime. I better go or I’ll never hear the end of it by being late.”
Ari stared after him for a moment. He didn’t look like the type to hang with his sisters. He probably had a date and didn’t want to tell her because he thought she was some pathetic loser after his body.
She forced a chuckle, the guy on the other aisle glanced up at the sound. Giving him an embarrassed smile she took the DVD to the check out. Now that things were going well with her designs, more than ever, she didn’t have time for complications with Gerard anyway.
If he ever dropped by, she’d be professional, review the proposal and tell him the ideas she had. They could have a working relationship. Nothing more.
Then why did she feel so unhappy at the thought? She hardly knew the man. Granted, she’d never felt such an instant connection with anyone.
Since he didn’t feel the same, it really didn’t matter.
Next stop pizza from Johnnies.
*****
“Ari, you’re going to be late.” Conner’s voice penetrated through the fog of the dream.
She slapped her arms across the bed, trying to recapture the feeling of warmth on her face. Conner had pulled her from the middle of a field of sunflowers where she’d been twirling taking it all in. As she’d done many times in her youth.
“Sleepy head. I have coffee.” His voice was much closer.
Forcing first one eye then the other open, her gaze landed on Conner’s amused grin. He was upside down. She realized her head hung over the edge of the bed. A cup, steaming with exactly what she needed, in his hand.
“I think I just went to sleep.”
“You were up blasting your music when I got home. I put my headset on and went to sleep. I figure you pulled an all-night design session. Come drink up. The newest design executive can’t make a habit of being late.”
Ari pulled herself up to sit on the edge and gratefully took the mug from him. “Thanks. You’re right. Conner, you’ve really turned into a great friend. Without you I doubt I’d be alive.”
She chuckled and then sipped. She couldn’t believe it had been a couple of months since she presented her proposal. Now here she was preparing for the grand opening of the newest addition to Classic Manhattan, Classic Design by Ari.
“Without my excellent coffee you would have slept through it all.” He went to the door then turned. “Gerard dropped by last night, he said you’d told him a while back about a proposal. I promised to give you the message that he’s interested.”
“Really?” Ari bolted off the bed. “Perfect.” She’d sloshed hot coffee on her lap. She set the coffee on the stand. Using the paper towel Conner had given her she mopped up the spill. She stood and stretched. “What are you doing tonight?”
“Why?” Wariness waved across his expression.
She held back her laugh, what exactly did he think she was going to ask? “Relax. I o
nly wanted to know if you had any new recipes to try.”
His stance relaxed and his lips split into a smile. “That I can do, am I cooking for two or three?”
“Depends on Gerard. I’ll drop by his apartment after I get home from work. Darlene has been bugging me to ask him about the program again.”
“Well why haven’t you?”
“He blew me off, remember? He said he didn’t want to get involved. But in the video shop a few weeks back he had sounded more interested.”
“Are you sure you want me to stay? I can go hang out with Rex.”
“Rex?”
“We’ve been exchanging recipes.”
She held in her mirth, but a snort managed to escape. “That’s what they’re calling it now?”
His look shot daggers at her. “He’s an apprentice at one of Henry’s other restaurants, he has a wife and a kid.”
Her shoulders stiffened. “I’m sorry. I was just teasing. I would like you to stay though. You’re my friend and I’m having Gerard over to talk about a business deal. I know you’re into gaming you may be able to help in the discussions. Deal?”
His stance relaxed again. “Sure. Dinner will be ready…” He glanced at his watch in thought. “About seven.”
Then he was gone after softly closing the door. Ari picked her mug up and sipped as she turned to stare at Bella. “It’s all coming together. I owe you big time. How do I pay you back?”
Dear Diary;
Sometimes you have to wait
How many times have I wished I could respond? I wanted to shout to Ari that all she had to do to pay me back was marry Gerard and live happily ever after. Was that too hard to understand?
“I saw you shimmer, you’re trying to answer me I know.” She pointed her mug at me, then wandered into the bathroom.
A few minutes later, she came in naked. My beads warmed at the sight and I directed my attention elsewhere until she had dressed. My bride is not modest.
“Classic Designs by Ari is about to open, Bella. You are magical just like Heidi claims.” She pulled her shirt over her head, then pinned me with an intense look. “But I have proven her dresses don’t all need to have a soul mate with a future groom.”
Three Weddings and a Dress Page 23
